Page 112 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“It takes however long it takes,” his mother chimed in. “Sit down, Nate.”

Nate stared at them incredulously until his sister clapped a hand onto his shoulder. “Yeah, sit down, Nate. It’s your fault we’re here, so…”

“It’s not my fault,” he snapped as he dropped into one of the airport seats.

“How do you figure that? You broke up with Ellie because you’re an idiot.”

“I’m not…never mind. I’m not having this conversation with you. You’re a kid. You have no idea what adult relationships are like, okay?” He blew out a sigh as he ran his fingers through his hair before he tried to focus on his phone.

“I’m not a kid, first of all. And second of all, I know you’re making a huge mistake. Ellie loves you, and you just don’t care. You’re so selfish.”

He screwed up his face as he stared at her. “Are you serious? She’s marrying someone else.”

“Because you made her, duh,” Maddie shot back.

Nate’s heart thudded against his ribs as his sister accused him of exactly what he couldn’t admit to himself.

“All right, you two, that’s enough. If Nate wants to end his relationship with Ellie, that’s his business. We all have to accept that.” Victoria crossed her arms and slouched in her seat.

“Well, Ellie said I could visit over Christmas. And I’m going to,” Maddie answered, mirroring her mother’s posture.

“Fine. I’m sure that will be lovely for the both of you. But if Nate does not wish to associate with her, that’s up to him.”

His nose wrinkled as they spoke, the memory of his pizza date with Ellie and his sister floating through his mind. He shoved it away, determined to stay the course. He’d made a decision. He didn’t belong here.

He stared at his phone again, unable to concentrate. “I’m going for a walk.”

Before anyone could answer, he rose and strode away, crossing to the few small shops in the airport. He ducked inside one, searching for anything to distract him from the sinking feeling he had as every moment ticked away.

“I’m not making a mistake,” he murmured to himself. “I’m not a selfish idiot.”

Somewhere behind him, a woman laughed. The strains of Elena’s soft but genuine laughter as they’d played skeeball at the pizza shop’s arcade taunted him.

“No,” he said with a shake of his head. “No, she’s not right for me.”

He swallowed hard, pushing aside the memory only for another one to crop up. This time, they’d been at the museum. He recalled kissing her cheek, the feel of her soft skin against his lips. How easy their conversations were.

He shook his head as though it would help dislodge the thoughts. But as he hit the corner of the shop, his eyes fell upon a music box. A single carousel horse.

The sight was a dagger to his heart. The recollection of their first date, their first kiss, his first gift to her, along with every other moment they’d shared rushed back into his mind.

He contrasted it with the harsh words he’d thrown at her this morning. Hehadbeen an idiot.

Regret washed over him as heacknowledged his own foolishness. He had unjustly accused her, letting his anger and hurt cloud his judgment. But that wasn’t an excuse.

He had been such a fool. He loved her.

It was that simple. He loved her.

He desperately didn’t want to leave. Caroline was correct. He’d been stubborn, not willing to admit his faults. But now, in the face of losing her entirely if he stepped onto that plane, he couldn’t think of anything else.

He glanced at the clock on his phone. When was she announcing her engagement?

Could he get back to her in time? He had to try.

He grabbed the carousel horse from the shelf and raced to the cashier to make the purchase, then quickly navigated to a text message thread with Caroline, hastily typing the words:I need your help.

With the message sent, he raced back to his family. After gulping in a breath, he said, “How fast can you get the car back?”

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